COLOMBO, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan Police on Tuesday warned legal action against anyone failing to maintain social distancing and necessary health guidelines as authorities relaxed a curfew in capital Colombo and the outskirts of Gampaha after two months amid an easing of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Security was beefed up in Colombo since the early hours of Tuesday, with the police saying many officers would be deployed to arrest those who defy the health laws.
Further the police said it was mandatory for all citizens to go outdoors with facial masks and maintain hand hygiene by washing their hands frequently.
Offices have been informed to conduct temperature checks on employees before entering the building, while washbasins were instructed to be put up at the entrance of all buildings.
Further, social distancing had to be maintained even insides the work premises.
According to a statement from the Health Ministry, police have been granted powers to arrest individuals who do not follow the new laws, and police would also begin to inspect CCTV footage of workplaces.
Police said it was also mandatory to maintain social distancing in banks and supermarkets as well while cinemas would remain closed until further notice.
Sri Lanka has so far recorded over 1,100 positive cases of COVID-19 while 10 deaths have been reported from the pneumonia-causing virus.
A nationwide curfew will be imposed daily from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., police said. Enditem
